THE first 15 months of life have been tough for Richard Flanagan who was born with devastating health problems.

But with the love of his mother and father, Brigid and Aidan, and with the practical support of the Jack & Jill Foundation, Richard was able to stay in the embrace of his family at home in Termonfeckin, Co Louth, rather than in hospital for most of this summer.

Now the Jack & Jill Foundation is facing a major funding crisis which means it will have to cut services to the 320 families it currently assists.

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